Method of reducing active cellular connections in a wireless network

ABSTRACT

A system and method of providing wireless communications to a wireless device is provided. A scanning report can be received from each of a plurality of wireless devices in communication with a first access node using a first radio access technology. A second access node can be selected from among one or more second access nodes to initiate communications with the first access node over a communication link based on the scanning report from each of the plurality of wireless devices. The plurality of wireless devices can be instructed to establish communications with the second access node using a second radio access technology different from the first radio access technology. A bandwidth allocation of the communication link can be adjusted based on the plurality of wireless devices.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Wireless communication networks implement various methods of maintaininga communication link with a wireless device. Network infrastructure canbe used to support a high number of simultaneous cellular communicationlinks with wireless devices. However, network infrastructure hardwarehas limitations that can easily be exceeded as the number of wirelessdevices running applications in constant communication with the networkincreases. When the network reaches active link thresholds, serviceinterruptions can occur causing an undesirable user experience.

Some solutions to expand the network capacity include deploying morecarriers to increase spectrum use, purchasing additional hardware toinstall within the existing network, or expanding the network bybuilding new infrastructure sites. All of these options have significantcosts associated with implementation. In addition, network expansionstypically require several months to years to complete.

OVERVIEW

Systems and methods of providing wireless communications to a wirelessdevice are provided. A scanning report can be received from each of aplurality of wireless devices in communication with a first access nodeusing a first radio access technology. A second access node can beselected from among one or more second access nodes to initiatecommunications with the first access node over a communication linkbased on the scanning report from each of the plurality of wirelessdevices. The plurality of wireless devices can be instructed toestablish communications with the second access node using a secondradio access technology different from the first radio accesstechnology. A bandwidth allocation of the communication link can beadjusted based on the plurality of wireless devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary communication system to provide wirelesscommunication to a wireless device.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method of providing wirelesscommunication to a wireless device.

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary communication system to providewireless communication to a wireless device.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary signaling diagram that illustrates an exemplarymethod of providing wireless communication to a wireless device.

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary method of providing wirelesscommunication to a wireless device.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary processing node.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary communication system 100 for providingwireless communications to a wireless device. Communication system 100can comprise wireless devices 102, 104, and 106, an access node 108 of afirst radio access technology, an access node 110 of a second radioaccess technology, a communication network 112, and a controller node114. Other network elements may be present in the communication system100 to facilitate communication but are omitted for clarity, such asbase stations, base station controllers, gateways, mobile switchingcenters, dispatch application processors, and location registers such asa home location register or visitor location register. Furthermore,other network elements may be present to facilitate communicationbetween access nodes 108, 110 and communication network 112 which areomitted for clarity, including additional processing nodes, routers,gateways, and physical and/or wireless data links for carrying dataamong the various network elements.

Wireless devices 102, 104, 106 can be any device configured tocommunicate over communication system 100 using a wireless interface.For example, wireless devices 102, 104, 106 can include a cell phone, asmart phone, a computing platform such as a laptop, palmtop, or atablet, a personal digital assistant, or an internet access device, andcombinations thereof. The wireless interface can include a plurality oftransceivers, where each transceiver is associated with a differentradio access technology. For instance, wireless devices 102, 104, 106can include at least one transceiver associated with a wireless cellularprotocol such as code division multiple access (CDMA), global system formobile communications (GSM), worldwide interoperability for microwaveaccess (WiMAX), long-term evolution (LTE), high-speed downlink packetaccess (HSDPA), etc. and at least one transceiver associated with alocal or short-range wireless protocol such as IEEE 802.11, wirelessfidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth, Zigbee, infrared data association (IrDA),etc. It is noted that while three wireless devices are illustrated inFIG. 1 as being in communication with access nodes 108 and/or 110, anynumber of wireless devices can be implemented.

Wireless devices 102, 104, 106 can communicate with access node 108through communication links associated with a first radio accesstechnology 116, 118, 120. Wireless devices 102, 104, 106 can alsocommunicate with access node 110 through communication links associatedwith a second radio access technology 122, 124, 126. Links 116, 118,120, 122, 124, 126 can use various communication media, such as air,space, metal, optical fiber, or some other signal propagationpath—including combinations thereof. Communication links 116, 118, 120,122, 124, 126 can comprise many different signals sharing the same link.Communication links 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126 can also includemultiple signals operating in a single “airpath” comprising beaconsignals, user communications, communication sessions, overheadcommunications, frequencies, timeslots, transportation ports, logicaltransportation links, network sockets, packets, or communicationdirections. For example, user communications between wireless devices102, 104, 106 and access node 108 could share the same representativewireless links 116, 118, 120, but be transferred over differentcommunication sessions, frequencies, timeslots, packets, ports, sockets,logical transport links, or in different directions—includingcombinations thereof.

Access node 108 can be any network node configured to communicate withwireless devices 102, 104, 106 and communication network 112. Accessnode 110 can be any network node configured to communicate with wirelessdevices 102, 104, 106 and access node 108. While not illustrated in FIG.1, access node 110 could also be in communication with communicationnetwork 112 in addition to being in communication with access node 108.Access nodes 108, 110 can be capable of providing wirelesscommunications to wireless devices 102, 104, 106. For example, accessnodes 108, 110 can be selected from a base transceiver station, a radiobase station, an eNodeB device, or an enhanced eNodeB device.

Access node 108 can be associated with a first radio access technologyand access node 110 can be associated with a second radio accesstechnology different from the first radio access technology. Forexample, access node 108 can be associated with a wireless cellularprotocol such as CDMA, GSM, WiMAX, LTE, and HSDPA and access node 110can be associated with a local or short-range wireless protocol such asIEEE 802.11, WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and IrDA. Access node 110 can be astand-alone device or it can be a multi-mode device where modes caninclude a cellular protocol and a local wireless protocol. For instance,when access node 110 is a wireless device having multi-modefunctionality such that the wireless device can be enabled in a mobilehot spot such that the wireless device can communicate with wirelessdevices 102, 104, 106 using a local wireless protocol. In addition,access node 110 can communicate with access node 108 over communicationlink 128 using a different protocol such as a wireless cellularprotocol.

Access nodes 108, 110 can comprise a processor and associated circuitryto execute or direct the execution of computer-readable instructions toobtain information. Access nodes 108, 110 can retrieve and executesoftware from storage, which can include a disk drive, a flash drive,memory circuitry, or some other memory device, and which can be local orremotely accessible. The software comprises computer programs, firmware,or some other form of machine-readable instructions, and may include anoperating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications,or some other type of software, including combinations thereof. Accessnodes 108, 110 can receive instructions and other input at a userinterface.

Access node 108 can be in communication with communication network 112through communication link 130. Access node 110 can be in communicationwith access node 108 through communication link 128. Communication links128, 130 can be wired or wireless and use various communicationprotocols such as Internet, Internet protocol (IP), local-area network(LAN), optical networking, hybrid fiber coax (HFC), telephony, T1, orsome other communication format—including combinations, improvements, orvariations thereof. Wireless communication links can be a radiofrequency, microwave, infrared, or other similar signal, and can use asuitable communication protocol, for example, Global System for Mobiletelecommunications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), or Long TermEvolution (LTE), or combinations thereof. Other wireless protocols canalso be used. Links 128, 130 can be a direct link or might includevarious equipment, intermediate components, systems, and networks. Links128, 130 can include multiple signals operating in a single pathway in asimilar manner as wireless links 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126.

Communication network 112 can be a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork, and can comprise processing nodes, routers, gateways, andphysical and/or wireless data links for carrying data among variousnetwork elements, including combinations thereof, and can include alocal area network, a wide area network, and an internetwork (includingthe Internet). Communication network 112 can be capable of carryingdata, for example, to support voice and data communications by awireless device such as wireless devices 102,104, 106. Wireless networkprotocols can comprise code division multiple access (CDMA) 1×RTT,Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA),Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), EV-DO rev. A, Third GenerationPartnership Project Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE), and WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX). Wired network protocolsthat may be utilized by communication system 112 comprise Ethernet, FastEthernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Local Talk (such as Carrier Sense MultipleAccess with Collision Avoidance), Token Ring, Fiber Distributed DataInterface (FDDI), and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). Communicationnetwork 112 can also comprise additional base stations, controllernodes, telephony switches, internet routers, network gateways, computersystems, communication links, or some other type of communicationequipment, and combinations thereof.

Controller node 114 can be any element configured to communicateinformation over a network or to control communication of theinformation over the network. Controller node 114 can be incommunication with communication network 112 through communication link132. Controller node 114 can be a standalone computing device, computingsystem, or network component, and can be accessible, for example, by awired or wireless connection, or through an indirect connection such asthrough a computer network or communication network. For example,controller node 114 can include a mobility management entity (MME), aserving gateway (SGW), a public data network gateway (PGW), a HomeSubscriber Server (HSS), a Policy Control and Charging Rules Function(PCRF), an Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting node (AAA),etc.

Controller node 114 can comprise a processor and associated circuitry toexecute or direct the execution of computer-readable instructions toobtain information. Controller node 114 can retrieve and executesoftware from storage, which can include a disk drive, a flash drive,memory circuitry, or some other memory device, and which can be local orremotely accessible. The software comprises computer programs, firmware,or some other form of machine-readable instructions, and may include anoperating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications,or some other type of software, including combinations thereof. Controlnode 114 can receive instructions and other input at a user interface.

In operation, wireless devices 102, 104, 106 can establish communicationlinks 116, 118, 120 with access node 108 using a first radio accesstechnology, such as a cellular protocol. While wireless devices 102,104, 106 are in active communication with access node 108, each wirelessdevice 102, 104, 106 can monitor for access nodes capable ofcommunicating using a second radio access technology such as ashort-range wireless protocol. Each wireless device 102, 104, 106 canthen send a status report to the controller node 114 through the activelink 116, 118, 120 with access node 108. The status report can include alist of all access nodes capable of communicating using the second radioaccess technology. The controller node 114 can identify access nodedevices capable of communicating using the second radio accesstechnology within a predetermined geographic location and compile a listof the access nodes capable of communicating using the second radioaccess technology common to a plurality of wireless devices 102, 104,106. The controller node 114 can select an access node from the list ofaccess nodes capable of communicating using the second radio accesstechnology common to the wireless devices 102, 104, 106. The access nodecan already be enabled to communicate using the second radio accesstechnology or the controller node 114 can send a message to the accessnode to instruct the access node to enable a radio transceiverassociated with the second radio access technology to begin activelycommunicating using the second radio access technology. Once the accessnode capable of communicating using the second radio access technologyis enabled, the wireless devices 102, 104, 106 can establish connectionswith access node 110 using the second radio access technology. Thebandwidth allocation of the communication link between access node 108and access node 110 can be adjusted based on various factors such asQuality of Service (QoS) factors. For example, service and priorityrequirements as well as device requirements associated with each of thewireless devices 102, 104, 106.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary method for providingwireless communication to a wireless device. The method will bediscussed with reference to the exemplary communication system 100illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the method can be implemented with anysuitable communication system. In addition, although FIG. 2 depictssteps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration anddiscussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to anyparticular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using thedisclosures provided herein, will appreciate that various steps of themethods can be omitted, rearranged, combined and/or adapted in variousways.

A controller node can receive a scanning report from each wirelessdevice in communication with a first access node at 202. For example,wireless devices 102, 104, 106 can establish communication links 116,118, 120 with access node 108 using a first radio access technology,such as a cellular protocol. While in communication with access node108, wireless devices 102, 104, 106 can monitor for access nodes capableof communicating using a second radio access technology, such as ashort-range wireless protocol. Each wireless device 102, 104, 106 cangenerate a scanning report including a list of the access nodes capableof communicating using the second radio access technology, where thescanning report is sent to controller node 114 through communicationnetwork 112.

A second access node capable of communicating using the second radioaccess technology can be selected from the plurality of scanning reportsreceived from the wireless devices 102, 104, 106 at 204. The secondaccess node can be selected based on various factors such as geographiclocation, communication link criteria and device requirements of each ofthe wireless devices 102, 104, 106. In an embodiment, a controller node112 can select a second access node from a plurality of second accessnodes, where the selected second access node common to all of thewireless devices 102, 104, 106.

The controller node can instruct wireless devices in communication witha first access node to establish communication with the selected secondaccess node at 206. Controller node 114 can send a message to wirelessdevices 102, 104, 106 to establish communication links 122, 124, 126with access node 110 using a second radio access technology such as alocal or short-range wireless protocol. Access node can already becommunicating using the second radio access technology or controllernode 114 can send a message to access node 110 to enable the secondradio access technology transceiver within the access node beforeinstructing the wireless devices 102, 104, 106 to establishcommunication links 122, 124, 126. In an embodiment, controller node 114can further instruct wireless devices 102, 104, 106 to end the activecommunication session with access node 108.

Bandwidth allocation of a communication link between a first access nodeassociated with a first radio access technology and the selected secondaccess node associated with a second radio access technology can beadjusted at 208. Controller node 114 can adjust the bandwidth allocationbetween the first access node and the second access node based onvarious factors such as the number of wireless devices in communicationwith access node 110, a type and/or number of applications running oneach wireless device 102, 104, 106, network service requirements, etc.Communications between the first access node and the second access nodecan be made over link 128 using the first radio access technology. Totalbandwidth allocation between the first access node 108 and the secondaccess node 110 can be a sum of the bandwidth requirements for eachwireless device 102, 104, 106.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary communication system 300 for providingwireless communications to a wireless device. Communication system 300can comprise wireless devices 302, 304, 306, an access node 308 of afirst radio access technology, an access node 310 of a second radioaccess technology, a communication network 312, a controller node 314,and an authorization node 316. Other network elements may be present inthe communication system 300 to facilitate communication but are omittedfor clarity, such as base stations, base station controllers, gateways,mobile switching centers, dispatch application processors, and locationregisters such as a home location register or visitor location register.Furthermore, other network elements may be present to facilitatecommunication between access nodes 308, 310 and communication network312 which are omitted for clarity, including additional processingnodes, routers, gateways, and physical and/or wireless data links forcarrying data among the various network elements.

Wireless devices 302, 304, 306 can be any device configured tocommunicate over communication system 300 using a wireless interface.For example, wireless devices 302, 304, 306 can include a cell phone, asmart phone, a computing platform such as a laptop, palmtop, or atablet, a personal digital assistant, or an internet access device, andcombinations thereof. The wireless interface can include a plurality oftransceivers, where each transceiver is associated with a differentradio access technology. For instance, wireless devices 302, 304, 306can include at least one transceiver associated with a wireless cellularprotocol such as code division multiple access (CDMA), global system formobile communications (GSM), worldwide interoperability for microwaveaccess (WiMAX), long-term evolution (LTE), high-speed downlink packetaccess (HSDPA), etc. and at least one transceiver associated with alocal or short-range wireless protocol such as IEEE 802.11, wirelessfidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth, Zigbee, infrared data association (IrDA),etc. It is noted that while three wireless devices are illustrated inFIG. 3 as being in communication with access nodes 308 and/or 310, anynumber of wireless devices can be implemented.

Wireless devices 302, 304, 306 can communicate with access node 308through communication links associated with a first radio accesstechnology 318, 320, 322. Wireless devices 302, 304, 306 can alsocommunicate with access node 310 through communication links associatedwith a second radio access technology 324, 326, 328. Links 318, 320,322, 324, 326, 328 can use various communication media, such as air,space, metal, optical fiber, or some other signal propagationpath—including combinations thereof. Communication links 318, 320, 322,324, 326, 328 can comprise many different signals sharing the same link.Communication links 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328 can also includemultiple signals operating in a single “airpath” comprising beaconsignals, user communications, communication sessions, overheadcommunications, frequencies, timeslots, transportation ports, logicaltransportation links, network sockets, packets, or communicationdirections. For example, user communications between wireless devices302, 304, 306 and access node 308 could share the same representativewireless links 318, 320, 322, but be transferred over differentcommunication sessions, frequencies, timeslots, packets, ports, sockets,logical transport links, or in different directions—includingcombinations thereof.

Access node 308 can be any network node configured to communicate withwireless devices 302, 304, 306 and communication network 312. Accessnode 310 can be any network node configured to communicate with wirelessdevices 302, 304, 306 and access node 308. While not illustrated in FIG.3, access node 310 could also be in communication with communicationnetwork 312 in addition to being in communication with access node 308.Access nodes 308, 310 can be capable of providing wirelesscommunications to wireless devices 302, 304, 306. For example, accessnodes 308, 310 can be selected from a base transceiver station, a radiobase station, an eNodeB device, or an enhanced eNodeB device.

Access node 308 can be associated with a first radio access technologyand access node 310 can be associated with a second radio accesstechnology different from the first radio access technology. Forexample, access node 308 can be associated with a wireless cellularprotocol such as CDMA, GSM, WiMAX, LTE, and HSDPA and access node 310can be associated with a local or short-range wireless protocol such asIEEE 802.11, WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and IrDA. Access node 310 can be astand-alone device or it can be a multi-mode device where modes caninclude at least a cellular protocol and a local wireless protocol. Forinstance, when access node 310 is a wireless device having multi-modefunctionality such that the wireless device can be enabled in a mobilehot spot, the wireless device can communicate with wireless devices 302,304, 306 using a local wireless protocol. In addition, access node 310can communicate with access node 308 over communication link 328 using adifferent protocol such as a wireless cellular protocol.

Access nodes 308, 310 can comprise a processor and associated circuitryto execute or direct the execution of computer-readable instructions toobtain information. Access nodes 308, 310 can retrieve and executesoftware from storage, which can include a disk drive, a flash drive,memory circuitry, or some other memory device, and which can be local orremotely accessible. The software comprises computer programs, firmware,or some other form of machine-readable instructions, and may include anoperating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications,or some other type of software, including combinations thereof. Accessnodes 308, 310 can receive instructions and other input at a userinterface.

Access node 308 can be in communication with communication network 312through communication link 332. Access node 310 can be in communicationwith access node 308 through communication link 330. Communication links330, 332 can be wired or wireless and use various communicationprotocols such as Internet, Internet protocol (IP), local-area network(LAN), optical networking, hybrid fiber coax (HFC), telephony, T1, orsome other communication format—including combinations, improvements, orvariations thereof. Wireless communication links can be a radiofrequency, microwave, infrared, or other similar signal, and can use asuitable communication protocol, for example, Global System for Mobiletelecommunications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), or Long TermEvolution (LTE), or combinations thereof. Other wireless protocols canalso be used. Links 128, 130 can be a direct link or might includevarious equipment, intermediate components, systems, and networks. Links330, 332 can include multiple signals operating in a single pathway in asimilar manner as wireless links 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328.

Communication network 312 can be a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork, and can comprise processing nodes, routers, gateways, andphysical and/or wireless data links for carrying data among variousnetwork elements, including combinations thereof, and can include alocal area network, a wide area network, and an internetwork (includingthe Internet). Communication network 312 can be capable of carryingdata, for example, to support voice and data communications by awireless device such as wireless devices 302, 304, 306. Wireless networkprotocols can comprise code division multiple access (CDMA) 1×RTT,Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA),Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), EV-DO rev. A, Third GenerationPartnership Project Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE), and WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX). Wired network protocolsthat may be utilized by communication system 312 comprise Ethernet, FastEthernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Local Talk (such as Carrier Sense MultipleAccess with Collision Avoidance), Token Ring, Fiber Distributed DataInterface (FDDI), and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). Communicationnetwork 312 can also comprise additional base stations, controllernodes, telephony switches, internet routers, network gateways, computersystems, communication links, or some other type of communicationequipment, and combinations thereof.

Controller node 314 can be any element configured to communicateinformation over a network or to control communication of theinformation over the network. Controller node 314 can be incommunication with communication network 312 through communication link334. Controller node 314 can be a standalone computing device, computingsystem, or network component, and can be accessible, for example, by awired or wireless connection, or through an indirect connection such asthrough a computer network or communication network. For example,controller node 314 can include a mobility management entity (MME), aserving gateway (SGW), a public data network gateway (PGW), etc.

Controller node 314 can comprise a processor and associated circuitry toexecute or direct the execution of computer-readable instructions toobtain information. Controller node 314 can retrieve and executesoftware from storage, which can include a disk drive, a flash drive,memory circuitry, or some other memory device, and which can be local orremotely accessible. The software comprises computer programs, firmware,or some other form of machine-readable instructions, and may include anoperating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications,or some other type of software, including combinations thereof. Controlnode 314 can receive instructions and other input at a user interface.

Authorization node 316 can be any network element configured to performvarious authorization functions in the network. For instance,authorization node 316 can perform network authorizations for aparticular entity or activity, IP address filtering, address assignment,route assignment, quality of service or differential services, bandwidthcontrol or traffic management, encryption, etc. Authorization node 316can be in communication with controller node 314 through communicationlink 336. Authorization node 316 can be a standalone computing device orincorporated into one or more other network elements. For example,authorization node 316 can include a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), aPolicy Control and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), an Authentication,Authorization, and Accounting node (AAA), etc.

Authorization node 316 can comprise a processor and associated circuitryto execute or direct the execution of computer-readable instructions toobtain information. Authorization node 316 can retrieve and executesoftware from storage, which can include a disk drive, a flash drive,memory circuitry, or some other memory device, and which can be local orremotely accessible. The software comprises computer programs, firmware,or some other form of machine-readable instructions, and may include anoperating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications,or some other type of software, including combinations thereof.Authorization node 316 can receive instructions and other input at auser interface.

In operation, wireless devices 302, 304, 306 can establish communicationlinks 318, 320, 322 with access node 308 using a first radio accesstechnology, such as a cellular protocol. While wireless devices 302,304, 306 are in active communication with access node 308, each wirelessdevice 102, 104, 106 can monitor for access nodes capable ofcommunicating using a second radio access technology such as ashort-range wireless protocol. For instance, each wireless device 302,304, 306 can monitor a predetermined geographic location surrounding thewireless device.

Each access node capable of communicating using a second radio accesstechnology can send a broadcast message using the short-range protocol.The broadcast message can include information associated with theidentity of the broadcasting access node such as a SSID and/or a MACaddress. The wireless device can receive the broadcast message using thetransceiver associated with the second radio access technology. Ascanning report can be generated by the wireless device where thescanning report can include a unique identifier associated with theaccess node sending the broadcast message. The wireless device canreceive broadcast messages from a plurality of access nodes.

Before sending the scanning report, the wireless device can determinewhether each access node communicating using the second radio accesstechnology within the predetermined geographic location meets a minimumcommunication link criteria. The minimum criteria can be based onvarious factors such as signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio,signal-to-interference plus noise ratio, carrier-to-interference plusnoise ratio, received signal strength indicator, reference signalreceive power, reference signal receive quality, etc. When an accessnode does not meet the minimum communication link criteria, the accessnode can be omitted from the scanning report.

When the access node communicating using the second radio accesstechnology meets the minimum communication link criteria, it is includedwithin the scanning report. The scanning report can include one or moreaccess nodes. In addition, the scanning report can be sent immediatelyfollowing detection of a broadcast message or the wireless device cansave information associated with a broadcast message and send thescanning report at a predetermined time period such that a number ofscanning reports are aggregated and sent together. The scanning reportcan be a separate message or it can be included with other messages suchas reports of other data transmissions. Each wireless device 302, 304,306 can send the scanning report to controller node 314 using the firstradio access technology over communication links 318, 320, 322.

Controller node 314 can receive scanning reports from wireless devices302, 304, 306. Further, controller node 314 can categorize the secondaccess nodes based on various factors such as geographic location andcommunication link criteria. Categorization can include grouping thesecond access nodes common to a plurality of wireless devices based onlocation or link criteria. Each wireless device can be included in aplurality of groups and each group can include one or more second accessnodes. The groups can be based on the unique identifier of the secondaccess node.

Controller node 314 can determine which wireless devices incommunication with access node 308 to transfer to a second access nodeand can select a second access node 310 from the plurality of secondaccess nodes identified in all of the scanning reports. Thedetermination of which wireless devices to transfer can be based onvarious factors such as network congestion associated with access node308 and/or quality of service requirements associated with each wirelessdevice. Quality of service requirements can be based on applicationsrunning on the wireless device. For example, quality of servicerequirements can include at least one of a traffic type (e.g. guaranteedbit rate and/or non-guaranteed bit rate), a data packet or traffic flowpriority, a maximum permitted data delay (latency), a minimumthroughput, a maximum data loss rate, jitter, and out-of-order deliverythresholds. In addition, determination of which wireless devices totransfer can be further based on factors associated with the wirelessdevice such as battery power requirements and/or levels, etc.

After the controller node 314 determines which wireless devices can betransferred to the selected second access node, controller node 314 cansend an activation message to the selected second access node 310. Themessage can be indicative of activation such that the second access node310 is enabled to communicate with wireless devices using the secondradio access technology. In an embodiment, the selected access node iscurrently operating using the second radio access technology.Alternatively, the selected access node can initiate communicationsusing the second radio access technology after receiving the activationmessage from the controller node 314. For example, when the selectedaccess node 310 is a multi-mode device such as a wireless device capableof becoming a wireless hotspot, the multi-mode device can activate thetransceiver associated with the second radio access technology afterreceiving the activation message where the activation message triggersthe hotspot to change from an idle mode to an active mode.

The activation message can include a list of the unique identifiersassociated with the wireless devices selected to be transferred to thesecond access node such that wireless devices included in the list maygain communication access to the second access node. The uniqueidentifier can be the WiFi MAC address of the selected wireless deviceand/or the scriber identification of the wireless device. The activationmessage can further include instructions regarding an active time periodin which to expect a WiFi signal to become available. The second accessnode can modify the internal MAC filter based on the informationincluded in the activation message.

The controller node 314 can send a transfer message to the wirelessdevices selected to communicate with the second access node 310. Thetransfer message can be a handover signal that indicates the selectedsecond access node 310. Alternatively, the transfer message can be ahandover signal that includes a plurality of second access nodes inwhich the selected wireless devices can initiate communications. Thetransfer message can include a handover execution time where thehandover execution time can be immediate or within a predetermined timeinterval. In addition, the transfer message can include an indication ofa predetermined duration in which each wireless device is incommunication with the second access node.

After receive the transfer message, each wireless device can send arequest to initiate communications with the second access node 310. Thesecond access node 310 can verify that the wireless device thatinitiates the request is authorized to access the second access node310. For example, the second access node 310 can compare the uniqueidentifier of each wireless device with the list identifying theselected wireless devices sent by the controller node 314. When thewireless device is on the list allowing access, a communication link324, 326, 328 using the second radio access technology can beestablished between the wireless devices 302, 304, 306 and the secondaccess node 310 and communication links 318, 320, 322 using the firstradio access technology are released. When the wireless device is not onthe list, access node 310 can further determine whether or not to grantaccess to the wireless device based on a predetermined network policy.

After activation of the second access node, a bandwidth allocation ofcommunication link 330 can be adjusted. Communication link 330 can usethe first radio access technology. The bandwidth allocation can beadjusted based on various factors, such as quality of service factors.The quality of service factors can be related to applications running onthe wireless devices. For example, quality of service factors caninclude at least one of a traffic type (e.g. guaranteed bit rate and/ornon-guaranteed bit rate), a data packet or traffic flow priority, amaximum permitted data delay (latency), a minimum throughput, a maximumdata loss rate, jitter, and out-of-order delivery.

Controller node 314 can send a request to modify bandwidth allocation ofcommunication link 330 to authorization node 316. Authorization node 316can modify quality of service factors associated with the connectionwith access node 310. Quality of service factors associated with accessnode 310 can be modified based on the previous quality of servicerequirements of the wireless devices when in communication with accessnode 308. This can allow for a transition from access node 308 to accessnode 310 to appear seamless to a user while continuing service at thesame level. In addition, quality of service factors can be assigned toaccess node 310 based on the wireless device in communication withaccess node 310 that has the highest quality of service requirements.For example, the minimum guaranteed bit rate of the hotspot's connectionmay be modified to reflect the sum of the minimum bit rate of eachwireless device connected to the access node 310. If bandwidthallocation cannot be adjusted to satisfy a wireless device's quality ofservice requirement, the wireless device can maintain its activecommunication session with access node 308 and not continuecommunications with access node 310.

The authorization node 316 can send a message to access node 308 toadjust the bandwidth allocation of communication link 330. After thebandwidth allocation is adjusted, the authorization node 316 cancontinuously monitor activity at access node 310. For example, theauthorization node 316 can monitor the identity of wireless devices incommunication with access node 310 and modify a list of the wirelessdevices as wireless devices are added or dropped from communication withaccess node 310. In addition, the authorization node 316 can monitor theapplication activity of the wireless devices in communication withaccess node 310 and modify any quality of service factors based on thewireless devices requirements accordingly. For example, bandwidthallocation can be readjusted when the number of wireless devices incommunication with access node 310 changes or application requirementsof the wireless devices change during the communication session.

If access node 310 becomes unavailable, wireless devices 302, 304, 306can re-establish communications with access node 308. For example,controller node 310 can determine that access node 308 is no longeravailable to maintain communications with wireless devices 302, 304,306. Controller node 310 can instruct wireless devices 302, 304, 306 toinitiate communications with access node 308 using the first radioaccess technology.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary signaling diagram that illustrates an exemplarymethod of providing wireless communication to a wireless device. Thesignal diagram will be discussed with reference to the exemplarycommunication system 300 illustrated in FIG. 3. However, the signalingdiagram can be implemented with any suitable communication system. Forexample, a single network node can perform the signaling functions ofcontroller node 314 and authorization node 316. In addition, althoughFIG. 4 depicts signaling performed in a particular order for purposes ofillustration and discussion, the signaling discussed herein is notlimited to any particular order. Moreover, additional signaling notincluded in FIG. 4 can also be performed.

Assume that wireless devices 302, 304, 306 are in communication withaccess node 308 using a first radio access technology such as a cellularprotocol. For example, active communication sessions are establishedbetween wireless devices 302, 304, 306 and access node 308.

Each wireless device 302, 304, 306 can send a scanning report tocontroller node 314 when a second access node 310 operating using asecond radio access technology, such as a short-range wireless protocol,is detected. The scanning report can include a unique identifierassociated with the detected access node.

Controller node 314 can select a second access node 310 in which totransfer the wireless devices 302, 304, 306. The controller node 314 cansend an activation command message to the selected access node 310 toinitiate the handover of wireless devices 302, 304, 306 from access node308. The activation command message can include a list of wirelessdevices that are granted access to access node 310. In addition, thecontroller node 314 can send a transfer command message to the wirelessdevices 302, 304, 306 identifying that access node 310 as the intendedtarget during handover.

Wireless devices 302, 304, 306 can send an access request message toaccess node 310 requesting access to access node 310. Access node 310can reply with access granted messages to the wireless devices 302, 304,306 when the wireless devices are contained in the approve list sentfrom the controller node 314. After wireless devices 302, 304, 306successfully initiate a communication session with access node 310 usingthe second radio access technology, wireless devices 302, 304, 306 cansend a transfer report to the controller node 314 indicating that thehandover was successful.

When controller node 314 receives the transfer reports from the wirelessdevices 302, 304, 306, controller node 314 can send a release commandmessage to access node 308 indicating that active communication sessionsusing the first radio access technology are to be terminated. Accessnode 308 sends a network release message to the wireless devices 302,304, 306 thereby terminating the active communication sessions withaccess node 308.

Controller node 314 sends a request to authorization node 316 to adjustthe bandwidth allocation of the communication link between access node308 and access node 310. For example, a quality of service adjustmentmessage can be sent. In response, the authorization node 316 can send aquality of service adjustment command to access node 308 and the qualityof service can be adjusted between access node 308 and access node 310.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary method for providingwireless communication to a wireless device. The method will bediscussed with reference to the exemplary communication system 300illustrated in FIG. 3. However, the method can be implemented with anysuitable communication system. In addition, although FIG. 5 depictssteps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration anddiscussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to anyparticular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using thedisclosures provided herein, will appreciate that various steps of themethods can be omitted, rearranged, combined and/or adapted in variousways.

A wireless device can establish a communication session with a firstaccess node at 502. For example, wireless devices 302, 304, 306 canestablish a communication with access node 308 using a first radioaccess technology. While the wireless devices are in communication witha first access node, a second access node can be detected by thewireless devices at 504 where the second access node uses a second radioaccess technology.

Each wireless device can send a scanning report at 506. For example,wireless devices 302, 304, 306 can send a scanning report to controllernode 312. The scanning report can include scanning report factors.Scanning report factors can include a signal strength value, asignal-to-noise ratio value, a signal-to-interference plus noise radiovalue, a carrier-to-interference plus noise ratio value, a receivedsignal strength indicator value, a reference signal receive power value,and a reference signal receive quality value, etc.

At least one scanning report factor can be compared to a predeterminedthreshold at 508. For example, the controller node 312 can compare atleast one scanning report factor to the predetermined threshold todetermine whether signal conditions are better over the communicationlinks with access node 308 or access node 310. When the scanning reportfactors are less than the predetermined threshold, the wireless devices302, 304, 306 remain in communication with a first access node at 510.

When the scanning report factors are greater than the predeterminedthreshold, wireless devices 302, 304, 306 can transfer to a secondaccess node at 512 where the second access node communicates withwireless devices 302, 304, 306 using a second radio access technology.In addition, the bandwidth allocation of the communication link betweenthe first access node and the second access node is adjusted at 514.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary processing node 600 in a communicationsystem. Processing node 600 comprises communication interface 602, userinterface 604, and processing system 606 in communication withcommunication interface 602 and user interface 604. Processing node 600is capable of providing wireless communications in a communicationnetwork. Processing system 606 includes storage 608, which can comprisea disk drive, flash drive, memory circuitry, or other memory device.Storage 608 can store software 610 which is used in the operation of theprocessing node 600. Software 610 may include computer programs,firmware, or some other form of machine-readable instructions, includingan operating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces,applications, or some other type of software. Processing system 606 mayinclude a microprocessor and other circuitry to retrieve and executesoftware 610 from storage 608. Processing node 600 may further includeother components such as a power management unit, a control interfaceunit, etc., which are omitted for clarity. Communication interface 602permits processing node 600 to communicate with other network elements.User interface 604 permits the configuration and control of theoperation of processing node 600.

Examples of processing node 600 include access nodes 108, 110, 308, 310,controller nodes 114, 314, and authorization node 316. Processing node600 can also be an adjunct or component of a network element, such as anelement of access nodes 108, 110, 308, 310, controller nodes 114, 314,and authorization node 316. Processing node 600 can also be anothernetwork element in a communication system.

The exemplary systems and methods described herein can be performedunder the control of a processing system executing computer-readablecodes embodied on a computer-readable recording medium or communicationsignals transmitted through a transitory medium. The computer-readablerecording medium is any data storage device that can store data readableby a processing system, and includes both volatile and nonvolatilemedia, removable and non-removable media, and contemplates mediareadable by a database, a computer, and various other network devices.

Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include, but are notlimited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), erasableelectrically programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory or other memorytechnology, holographic media or other optical disc storage, magneticstorage including magnetic tape and magnetic disk, and solid statestorage devices. The computer-readable recording medium can also bedistributed over network-coupled computer systems so that thecomputer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.The communication signals transmitted through a transitory medium mayinclude, for example, modulated signals transmitted through wired orwireless transmission paths.

The above description and associated figures teach the best mode of theinvention. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Notethat some aspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of theinvention as specified by the claims. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the features described above can be combined in variousways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, theinvention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above,but only by the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing wireless communication to awireless device, comprising: receiving a scanning report from each of aplurality of wireless devices in communication with a first access nodeusing a first radio access technology, the scanning report including anidentifier associated with one or more monitored second access nodesconfigured to use a second radio access technology different from thefirst radio access technology; grouping, based on a predeterminedgeographical location of each of the plurality of wireless devices, theone or more monitored second access nodes common to each of theplurality of wireless devices; selecting a second access node from thegrouping of one or more monitored second access nodes to initiatecommunications with the first access node over a communication linkbased on the scanning report received from each of the plurality ofwireless devices; instructing the plurality of wireless devices toestablish communications with the selected second access node using thesecond radio access technology; and adjusting a bandwidth allocation ofthe communication link based on the plurality of wireless devices. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the communication link uses the firstradio access technology.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting abandwidth allocation is based on at least one of a minimum service levelrequirement for each of the plurality of wireless devices and anapplication associated with each of the plurality of wireless devices.4. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the second access nodefurther comprises: identifying the second access node based on at leastone scanning report factor; and sending an activation signal to thesecond access node identified, wherein the activation signal comprises alist of wireless devices allowed to access the second access node. 5.The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one scanning report factorcomprises: the identifier for one or more second access nodes using thesecond radio access technology within the predetermined geographicallocation of each wireless device; and at least one communication linkcriteria of a communication link between each wireless device and eachof the one or more second access nodes.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein the communication link criteria comprises at least one of signalstrength value, signal-to-noise ratio value, signal-to-interference plusnoise ratio value, carrier-to-interference plus noise ratio value,received signal strength indicator value, reference signal receive powervalue, and reference signal receive quality value.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein adjusting the bandwidth allocation further comprises:determining a bandwidth allocation requirement for each wireless device;determining a total bandwidth requirement of the selected second accessnode; and adjusting the bandwidth allocation of the communication linkbased on the bandwidth allocation requirement determined for eachwireless device and the total bandwidth requirement determined for theselected second access node.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstradio access technology comprises a cellular protocol and the secondradio access technology comprises a short-range wireless protocol. 9.The method of claim 1, further comprising: instructing the plurality ofwireless devices to re-establish communication with the first accessnode using the first radio access technology when the selected secondaccess node becomes unavailable.
 10. A system for communication with awireless device, comprising: a processing node configured to receive ascanning report from each of a plurality of wireless devices incommunication with a first access node using a first radio accesstechnology, the scanning report including an identifier associated withone or more monitored second access nodes configured to use a secondradio access technology different from the first radio accesstechnology; group, based on a predetermined geographical location ofeach of the plurality of wireless devices, the one or more monitoredsecond access nodes common to each of the plurality of wireless devices;select a second access node from the group of one or more monitoredsecond access nodes to initiate communications with the first accessnode over a communication link based on the scanning report receivedfrom each of the plurality of wireless devices; instruct the pluralityof wireless devices to establish communications with the selected secondaccess node using the second radio access technology; and adjust abandwidth allocation of the communication link based on the plurality ofwireless devices, wherein the communication link uses the first radioaccess technology.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the processingnode is further configured to identify the second access node based onat least one scanning report factor and send an activation signal to thesecond access node, wherein the activation signal comprises a list ofwireless devices allowed access to the second access node.
 12. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein the processing node is further configured todetermine a bandwidth allocation requirement for each wireless device,determine a total bandwidth requirement for the second access node, andadjust the bandwidth allocation of the communication link based on thebandwidth allocation requirement for each wireless device and the totalbandwidth requirement for the second access node.
 13. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the processing node is further configured to readjustthe bandwidth allocation of the communication link when the number ofplurality of wireless devices in communication with the second accessnode changes.
 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the processing node isfurther configured to instruct the plurality of wireless devices todiscontinue communications with the first access node after theplurality of wireless devices have established communications with thesecond access node.
 15. The system of claim 10, wherein the first radioaccess technology comprises a cellular protocol and the second radioaccess technology comprises a local wireless protocol.